Unit 3 Studying Flashcards
Just noticeable difference (jnd)
The sensation that results if a change in stimulus intensity exceeds the differential threshold
Absolute threshold
The smallest amount of stimulation that can be detected by an organism
Differential threshold
The amount that stimulation needs to change before a difference in that stimulation can be detected
Perception
According to Helmholtz, the mental experience arising when sensations are embellished by the recollection of past experiences
Bell-Magendie Law
There are two types of nerves: sensory nerves carrying impulses from the sense receptors to the brain and motor nerves carrying impulses from the brain to the muscles and glands of the body
Phrenology
The examination of the bumps and depressions on the skull in order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of various mental faculties
Clinical method
The technique that Broca used. It involves first determining a behavior disorder in a living patient and then, after the patient had died, locating the part of the brain responsible for the behavior disorder
Unconscious inference
According to Helmholtz, the process by which the remnants of past experience are added to sensations, thereby converting them into perceptions
Young-Helmholtz theory of colour vision
Separate receptor systems on the retina are responsive to each of the three primary colors: red, green, and blue–violet. Also called the trichromatic theory
Method of adjustment
An observer adjusts a variable stimulus until it appears to be equal to a standard stimulus
Method of constant stimuli
A stimulus is presented at different intensities along with a standard stimulus, and the observer reports if it appears to be greater than, less than, or equal to the standard
Method of limits
A stimulus is presented at varying intensities along with a standard (constant) stimulus to determine the range of intensities judged to be the same as the standard
Phrenology
The examination of the bumps and depressions on the skull in order to determine the strengths and weaknesses of various mental faculties
Wernicke’s area
Discovered on the left temporal lobe of the cortex near the Broca’s area, it’s responsible for speech comprehension.
Vitalism
Living organisms possess a unique life force or vital force that distinguishes them from non-living matter. It suggests that this force is responsible for the characteristic properties of life and cannot be fully explained by physical and chemical principles alone.
Weber’s law
Just noticeable differences correspond to a constant proportion of a standard stimulus
Psychophysics
The systematic study of the relationship between physical and psychological events.
Physiognomy
The attempt to determine a person’s character by analyzing his or her facial features, bodily structure, and habitual patterns of posture and movement